Health department warns against bogus inspectors

The Allegheny County Health Department is again warning restaurants about bogus "health inspectors" calling to schedule an inspection or request information.

The Health Department, which received numerous reports of such calls earlier this year, was notified of another such call last week to a local restaurant. The calls are fraudulent because routine restaurant inspections are always unannounced and calls are never made ahead of time to gather information.

Health officials urge restaurants that receive such calls not to respond to any requests for information. They should ask for the caller's name and immediately report the incident to the Health Department by calling 412-687-ACHD and to their local police.

Restaurants also are reminded that inspectors carry photo ID which is presented at the time of an inspection. When there are any doubts about an inspector's credentials, restaurants are advised to call the Health Department to verify his or her identity and notify their local police if the "inspector" turns out to be an imposter.